13 Feb 2009: Muddenahalli, which was hailed by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba as a Thapo Bhoomi during His maiden visit to the place has a story of an assurance of a Divine Master Plan. The Divine Master Plan seems to have been evolving, simmering to take the desired shape as the Institution has been prospering over the years. But, the Divine Call came at the most unexpected time when Bhagawan made an epoch making announcement on the twilight of 23rd November 2008, during the occasion of Bhagawan’s 83rd year of Advent. Bhagawan, the Indweller that He is, long since recognised the severe hardships faced by the poor and illiterate village masses in and around the Chikkaballapur district. In 1986, while laying the foundation stone of the Sri Sathya Sai Loka Seva Junior College building in Muddenahalli, Bhagawan declared that he would start a full-fledged Arts college in the same campus. Ever true to His divine promises, Bhagawan announced on the 23rd Nov 2008 that He would establish a University Campus in Muddenahalli within the next one year.

Brushing aside the tremendous costs that would be entailed, He declared that it was His Sankalpa to bestow free education, boarding and lodging facilities on those that are unable to afford even the basic amenities of life. Moreover, in line with the vision and objectives of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, the education imparted here would be infused with spirituality. Muddenahalli graduates would attain specific scholarship in the scriptures of Ramayana, Bhagavata and Bhagavad Gita, which they would thereafter disseminate amongst the masses.

“There is a Sathya Sai college in Muddenahalli, near Bangalore. Several boys coming from poor families in the villages around it are studying in this college. A number of philanthropists extended help to the college in different ways. Some built classrooms, others a bhajan hall, etc. However, this institution is not affiliated with any University. Once the boys finish their education here, they have to go to places like Bangalore to pursue a degree course. When I thought of their plight, I got a good idea. Here in Puttaparthi, our college and University are housed in spacious and beautiful buildings. Suppose we establish a campus in Muddenahalli, the boys there will also be happy. Is it not? Hence, I have decided to establish a college campus of Sri Sathya Sai University in Muddenahalli too”.

Nestled at the foot of the iconic Nandi Hills about 50 km from Bangalore and strategically located just off the Bangalore-Puttaparthi highway, Muddenahalli, the birthplace of Sir M. Vishveshwaraiah, has become synonymous with Bhagawan’s residential school. Founded by an ardent devotee of Bhagawan, Revered Madiyal Narayan Bhat (fondly called Anna), this school is one of the educational institutions run by the Tyagajeevis of the Sri Sathya Sai Loka Seva Trust. August 1978 was the watershed date for these noble institutions when Bhagawan bestowed His infinite grace and took them under His fold as the sole trustee, in response to Anna’s fervent prayers. Swami, during His very first visit to Muddenahalli, remarked “This is veritably a Tapo Bhoomi.” In spite of the various problems that were ailing the location at that time, Bhagawan assured the Muddenahalli staff that they had nothing to worry and that he had a master plan in mind for this sacred place! In a manner that is customary to the avatar, Bhagawan declared that the number of Tyagajeevis would swell from a mere 6 at that time to not just 60 or 6000 but 60,000! A mere visit to the Muddenahalli campus is sufficient to acquire manifest proof of this fact, considering the number of selfless workers that are active there. No doubt these sylvan surroundings have become a heaven to all forms of spiritual and Seva activities of the Sathya Sai organization. Gram Seva, free medical camps, orientation courses for spiritual development, summer camps for children, etc. are the norm here.

The expectation that Bhagawan is going to lay the foundation stone of the University on 14th February 2009 has stirred a surge of feverish excitement, enthusiasm and activity in all the campus inmates, devotees and well-wishers of the institution. Led by the students and staff, work is on round the clock to make the Divine visit a memorable event and a cynosure of all eyes. A bird’s eye view of the extensive and meticulous arrangements in progress follows:

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba has personally hand-picked the perfect venue for the foundation stone. This is the highest spot in the location, which in His words, “can be easily viewed even from the Puttaparthi-Bangalore highway”.

The hilltop has been levelled and a road paved with cobbled concrete blocks which snakes its way up to the summit. The slopes and bordering land have been manicured and beautified for the purpose.

A simple yet exquisite Mantapam has been erected on the hilltop, which commands an exhilarating view of the verdant surroundings.

The entire campus is being spruced up to welcome the Lord in all His glory. Starting from Premdeep, the sanctum sanctorum, the Bhajan Mandir, the temple ensemble, the school buildings and the hostel premises, to the innumerable grounds, parks and orchards, Muddenahalli is bursting forth like a garden in full bloom.

Needless to mention, wherever Bhagawan goes, the sea of devotees follow Him. Meticulous plans are being put in place for accommodating, managing and controlling the 8000 odd devotees expected. Important dignitaries of the Sri Sathya Sai organization have visited the campus to approve the plans and supervise the arrangements.

A special stage has been constructed in front of Premdeep for Bhagawan’s Darshan to the public gathering, with ramps on either side to facilitate Bhagawan’s free movement.

Areas have been clearly demarcated for the hosting of guests, parents of the students, devotees and other visitors and also for distribution of Prasad.

Shamianas will be put up to protect devotees from the hot sun and inclement weather.

Closed Circuit LED screens will be set up all around the campus for covering Bhagawan’s presence continuously so that devotees may feast their eyes on the Lord to their hearts’ content.
Parking arrangements have been made for the deluge of vehicles that will descend on Muddenahalli.

150-200 Sevadals will report at Muddenahalli on the previous day itself so that they can be assigned clear duties well ahead of time in aspects of crowd control, organization of the public function, cooking, etc.

The Divine backyard at Muddenahalli is all set to embrace the moment of glory in waiting. And she is fully geared to grab this destined good fortune with all her might. Muddenahalli is rejoicing and with her thousands of children who are being groomed to bloom.

Muddenahalli is a village situated within close proximity of the Nandi Hills in Kolar District. This village is well known as the birthplace of Visveswaraya, the great architect who built modern Karnataka. His ancestral home is situated there, which today constitute a museum. The nearest attraction includes Biligirirangana Hills, Agumbe Hill and the Madikeri Hills. Muddenahalli is about 38 km from Bangalore. The nearest railhead and airport are at Chikballapur and Bangalore respectively.

MUDDENHALLI: Mudenehallii, the birth place of visionary Sir M Visvesvaraya, will soon have a full-fledged university, thanks to the efforts of Sathya Sai of Puttaparthi.

Delivering the ceremonial address on his 83rd birthday, the Puttaparthi Sevasharam pontiff declared that he would develop Muddenahalli on the lines of Puttaparthi, where most of the amenities, including an educational centre, medical and other facilities would be provided for the common man.

Muddenahalli already has a Sathya Sai Loka Trust, a residential school run by the Sevashram.

According to sources, the trust has 130 acres in Muddenahalli, and the new venture will benefit the surrounding villages.

Speaking to the Express, Narayanan Rao, secretary of the Sathya Sai Loka Trust said that Baba has directed them to take up the work immediately. Baba is also keen to provide a permanent water solution to Chikballapur district in future.

The students of Chikballapur and Kolar districts go for higher education to Bangalore, Tumkur or other parts of the state. The varsity it will be a boon for them.

Santhosh, a BSc student, says: “I am happy that I can pursue my higher education in my home district. Hailing from a middle class family, I can’t afford education in a city.” Gopal, a BA student, says the varsity is a boon for Chikballapur, Kolar, Tumkur and Bangalore Rural districts.